The Oakland community and the college football world are mourning the death of John Beam, the celebrated athletic director and head coach at Laney College, who was featured in the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U." The Oakland Police Department confirmed Beam died on Friday, November 14, 2025, after being shot on campus. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell publicly announced the coach's passing on Friday, one day after the violent incident occurred. Few specific details about the shooting have been released, leaving the community seeking answers. This was the second shooting at an Oakland educational institution in just two days, following an incident at Skyline High School where a student was shot and remains in stable condition.
Mayor Barbara Lee led the tributes, calling Beam a "giant" in the community. She highlighted his profound impact as not just a coach, but as a mentor, educator, and lifeline for young people over his decades of service. "For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family," Lee stated.
A Legacy On and Off the Field
John Beam's national profile rose when his Laney College Eagles team was the focus of the 2020 season of "Last Chance U." The Netflix series spotlights athletes at junior colleges working to revitalize their lives and careers. Beam was portrayed as a fiercely competitive leader who also formed deep, meaningful connections with his players, earning their respect and admiration.
His coaching career at Laney College began in 2004 when he joined as a running backs coach. He ascended to the head coach position in 2012 and led the team to two league titles. According to his official college biography, an impressive 20 of his players advanced to the NFL, a testament to his skill in developing talent.
Tributes from the Football World
The news sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly among his former players. Brothers Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, who now play in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints respectively, expressed their grief on social media.
Rejzohn Wright posted a photo of Beam with the caption, "You mean the world to me." His brother, Nahshon, shared a similar sentiment, posting a picture of the coach alongside a single broken heart emoji, conveying the depth of their loss.
Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, expressed the institution's collective heartbreak. "The Peralta community is devastated by his shooting and deeply concerned for his well-being. We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus," Johnson said in an official statement.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as the city of Oakland grapples with this devastating loss of an educator who dedicated his life to guiding young athletes.
